During a recent outing at a coffee shop known for its fusion cuisine, The Clarion took the opportunity to meet with a Citrus College graduate now running for a board seat for Three Valleys Municipal Water, District 3. The conversation was candid and “chill,” unlike the frenetic pace expected the last weekend before an election winner is decided. At barely 5 feet tall, Monica Aleman Gibbs answered questions relating to her intentions once elected to the role in which she is running.
The Three Valleys Water Board has a vacant seat to fill, and the Citrus Campus falls within its borders. Gibbs, who has Salvadoran roots, has been a part of the community for the past 17 years. The setting wasn’t surprising as it, like her heritage, featured a “best-of-both” reality.
“As a local activist and breast cancer survivor, I understand how essential access to safe, reliable resources is to our quality of life” Gibbs said.
Recalling a story concerning a constituent, Gibbs detailed how the woman first reached out to the city to address a neighborhood problem. The resident contacted a case worker serving liaison who involved the local council member’s office to resolve the issue. Gibbs calls her the “squeaky wheel” in the machine of governance and spoke of the importance of knowing its various components.
“My decision to run for the water board became more urgent when I learned that local residents were experiencing brown water from their taps” Gibbs had said.
Asked about what she plans to do after her term concludes as broad member, she was quick to assert that this is not a steppingstone, adding that “everyone assumes that!” Gibbs said that she was content with holding the position indefinitely if allowed and that she’s committed to improving infrastructure concerning water usage and storage.
The alumni consist of keen candidates who run for office occasionally as another alum, Jacqueline Elizalde-Macias, featured here in 2018, ran for Pomona City Council (District 2.) With her iced chai complete, Gibbs gave a handshake and exited for another appointment late in the evening.
